Charles Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Charles, Iowa?
Arrest records in Charles, Iowa are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Iowa Public Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Iowa Public Records Law operates under the principle that governmental transparency and accountability are best served when citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities. Under Iowa Code § 22.2, "Every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record."
The Floyd County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for Charles City and surrounding areas in accordance with state regulations. These records document official law enforcement actions and are considered essential public information under Iowa's commitment to open government operations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through established procedures outlined by local law enforcement agencies.
How to Look Up Charles Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Charles, Iowa. The Floyd County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for the county, including those from Charles City. Interested parties may access these records through the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Floyd County Sheriff's Office located at 101 S. Main Street, Charles City, IA 50616. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Staff members can assist with locating specific arrest records upon proper identification and completion of the required request forms.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Floyd County Sheriff's Office at the address listed above. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, along with the requestor's contact information and appropriate fees.
Charles City Police Department: For arrests made by city police, records may be requested from the Charles City Police Department located at 105 Milwaukee Mall, Charles City, IA 50616. The department maintains public office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (641) 228-3366.
Online Resources: The Floyd County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of recent arrest information. Additionally, the Charles City official website provides access to daily police activity reports and basic arrest information.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.3, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees reflecting the actual cost of providing the requested records. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order made payable to the appropriate agency.
Contents of a Charles Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Charles law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information as required by Iowa state regulations. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the Iowa Code sections allegedly violated, classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony), and preliminary charge descriptions.
Case Processing Information: Assigned case number, booking information, initial court appearance date, and bail or bond amount if applicable.
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views of the arrested individual.
Fingerprint Records: Digital or ink fingerprint impressions collected during processing, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal criminal databases.
Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.7, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant identities, ongoing investigation details, and juvenile information protected under Iowa Code Chapter 232.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Charles
The State of Iowa provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures in Charles follow Iowa Code Chapter 901C, which establishes the criteria and process for removing arrest information from public access. The Floyd County District Court, located at 101 S. Main Street, Charles City, IA 50616, processes all expungement petitions for arrests occurring within the county.
Eligibility requirements for expungement of Charles arrest records include:
Dismissal or Acquittal: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2, individuals may petition for expungement if the criminal charges were dismissed with prejudice or resulted in acquittal.
Deferred Judgments: Under Iowa Code § 907.9, successful completion of probation following a deferred judgment may qualify for expungement after fulfillment of all court-ordered conditions.
Waiting Period: For certain offenses, a waiting period of at least eight years must elapse from the date of the arrest, during which time the petitioner must have no subsequent criminal convictions (excluding simple misdemeanors).
Public Intoxication: Iowa Code § 123.46(6) provides specific expungement provisions for public intoxication arrests under certain conditions.
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Floyd County Clerk of Court, payment of applicable filing fees, and attendance at a scheduled hearing where a judge will evaluate the petition based on statutory criteria. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to remove the arrest information from public records, though certain governmental entities may retain access to the expunged records for limited purposes as permitted by law.
Legal assistance is available through the Floyd County Bar Association's referral service for individuals seeking guidance on the expungement process. The Iowa Legal Aid office serving Charles City can be contacted at (800) 532-1275 for those who qualify for reduced-cost legal services.
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